“The sale is a huge win for the breeding industry – the sale was broadcast live into thousands of homes on free-to-air television via Channel 7 Two,” Inglis MD Mark Webster said. “There was a huge crowd assembled here at Newmarket all day and hopefully those and more people watching at home get involved in attending the races as owners in the future.”

The average price on Day 1 jumped 44% to $305,945 and the median rose 25% to $200,000 and the clearance rate dropped a point to 73%.

The progeny of champion Easter graduate Fastnet Rock were in high demand with 18 of his yearlings selling at an average price of $540,556. They were headed by colts from Gold Anthem and Dream Play purchased by John Warren for Coolmore / China Horse Club.

The Gold Anthem colt, a half-brother to champion sprinter Starspangledbanner, was offered by Tyreel Stud and Warren needed to go to $2.40 million to secure the youngster.

Kia-Ora Stud offered the colt from Dream Play that was knocked down for $1.50 million. Under-bidder James Harron later secured the day’s other lot to break through into six figures when purchasing Arrowfield Stud’s colt by Snitzel from La Bamba as Lot 161 for an even $1,000,000.

“It was great to see buyers such as Darley and Sheikh Khalifa getting back into the Australian yearling market,” Webster added. “And we’re pleased with the diverse buying bench in attendance from United Kingdom, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Ireland, Singapore, Macau, Malaysia, China, the United Arab Emirates and all over Australia.”

Day 2 of the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale continues from 11am on Wednesday.